How to enjoy a guilt-free feast this Christmas

We’ve watched all the adverts, we’ve seen all the products on the shelves and we’ve heard all the songs which mark this special time of the year. We’re encouraged to consume endless carbohydrates and alcoholic treats, which means some of us forget to look after our bodies around Christmas.
Did you know the average Christmas lunch provides around 1,000 calories, which is half the average daily requirement for a woman? In the UK we consume some 35 million bottles of wine and 250 million pints of beer over the festive period, so it’s not surprising we suffer from digestive upsets, headaches, nausea or disrupted sleep.
Although a degree of over-indulgence is perhaps unavoidable, if you have concerns for your weight, skin or general health in the lead up to Christmas and after New Year’s Eve, there are steps you can take to avoid or minimise these problems.
Avoiding heavy meals, fatty foods and excessive amounts of alcohol will lower your risk of indigestion and weight gain. We recommend looking at low-fat recipes, especially for roast potatoes and stuffing, which are high in carbohydrates.
It’s important to take your time when eating as this will give your digestive system a chance to signal if it is full. Discipline yourself with smaller portions and leave at least 20 minutes before eating a second helping. Try not to eat late in the evening too, so you don’t go to bed on a full stomach.
However, the key to maintaining good health this festive season is exercise. Whether you go for countryside walks or complete short workouts at home or in the gym, exercise will burn off excess calories, help avoid indigestion and get you fit for the new year.
If you feel sluggish or hungover, gentle exercise, non-alcoholic fluids to re-hydrate your body and plenty of sleep will aid your recovery. Rather than consuming drinks containing caffeine, which can cause dehydration, opt for a fruit juice or smoothie. Stick to small, light meals and avoid salty, fatty or spicy foods that might irritate the stomach.